Q: Last year Dowdupont spun-off Dow and Corteva. Amounts were allocated to each of the spin-offs as to their immediate value on separation. I received a T5 setting out those valuations as "foreign income". My broker Qtrade left my original cost for the DWDP prior to spin-off as was. Allocating a theoretical cost for the DOW and CTVA shares without reducing the cost of the remaining DWDP shares leaves open an unfair (to Revenue Canada) capital loss upon sale of DWDP. Fair enough, however the response to allocate the DOW and CTVA share values as income seems unfair to the shareholder: as income full tax is payable whereas only 50% of capital gain is fully taxed and has the ability of set-off against losses.
Question Can you advise whether the Qtrade handling is mandatory per Revenue Canada or arbitrary by broker?
Thanks very much.

Q: "DowDuPont's (DWDP) board of directors approved the separation of the materials science business from the agro-chemical giant, moving forward with plans to create the new Dow that's set to start regular trading in New York next month". I own a small amount of DWDP and I understand I will receive 1 share of the "new" materials science business for every 3 shares of DWDP. What would your recommendation be with the material science business shares once I receive them (hold, sell, or buy more)?
Thanks

Sean

Q: What are your thoughts on the plan to spin off into three separate companies (Dow, DuPont, Corteva Agriscience)? I have read that typically spin offs do well because they can command a higher multiple than the parent company. What do you make of this situation? Thanks.